Requirements
Disclaimer:
Helix strongly recommends that the customer reviews with Helix personnel the actual hardware configuration and third party software it intends to use for running Andar. The exact hardware required for the server(s) will depend on the size of the customer's organization as well as on the number of users, transactions, and donors. Helix does not supply or support the installation/configuration of the database or of the operating system software. The customer is responsible for determining what version of SQL will run on their version of Windows. The customer is also responsible for determining the requirements, incompatibilities, dependencies, and suitability of any hardware and software not provided by Helix. Recommendations are subject to change without notice as technology evolves.
Client Workstations
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Workstation Setup
Minimum Requirements | |
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Operating System | Windows® 7 or newer |
Processor | 2.7GHz Dual core processor or better |
Memory | 2 GB RAM |
Storage | 200 MB of available disk space |
Resolution | 1024 x 768 |
For Smaller Organizations
(Up to 3 Users without a Server)
Andar can run standalone on a single Windows workstation with up to 2 other workstations connected to it using Peer-to-Peer networking.
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A Database Workstation
Minimum Requirements | |
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Operating System | Windows® 7 or newer |
Processor | Dual core 2.7GHz processor or better |
Memory | 2 GB RAM |
Storage | 5 GB available hard drive space Greater than 5 GB or 5x times the customer’s current legacy database size |
Internet |
Fixed IP address |
Media & Peripherals |
USB port |
Resolution | 1024 x 768 |
Microsoft SQL Server/2005 or newer with full text search installed. Optionally, Microsoft SQL Server/2008 Express Edition can be downloaded free from Microsoft. Note that the Express Edition is limited to a maximum of 10Gb. For more information about Microsoft SQL Server, visit www.microsoft.com/sql. |
For Small/Medium Size Organizations
(Up to 10 Users Using a Server)
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A Database Server
Minimum Requirements | |
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Operating System | Windows® 7 or newer |
Processor | 2.7GHz Dual core processor or better |
Memory | 2 GB RAM |
Storage | 10 GB available hard drive space Greater than 10 GB or 5x times the customer’s current legacy database size |
Internet |
Fixed IP address Network interface card operating at 100 MB |
Media & Peripherals |
USB port SCSI disk drives in a RAID 10 configuration (RAID 5 could be used for small databases. Click here for more info) Although systems without RAID can be used, they are not recommended. Tape drive or DVD-Burner for backups |
Resolution | 1024 x 768 |
Microsoft Windows® Server/2008 or newer (Small Business Server is also supported). Helix recommends Windows® Server/2012. Microsoft SQL Server/2005 or newer must be separately purchased and installed All software should have the current service packs applied. Backup software is strongly recommended and should include an SQL Agent to allow backup of the SQL databases. Helix recommends that this server be dedicated to Andar. If the server is also used for other applications such as financial or other business applications, Microsoft Exchange, email services, file services, etc., then a more powerful machine may be required. For more information about Microsoft SQL Server, visit www.microsoft.com/sql. |
For Medium Size Organizations
(11-20 Users)
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A Database Server
Minimum Requirements | Recommended Specifications | |
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Operating System | Windows® 7 or newer | |
Processor | 2.7GHz Dual core processor or better | 3.80GHz Quad core processor or better |
Memory | 4 GB RAM | 8GB RAM Recommended for larger organizations |
Storage | 20 GB available hard drive space Greater than 10 GB or 5x times the customer’s current legacy database size |
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Internet |
Fixed IP address Network interface card operating at Gigabit speed |
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Media & Peripherals |
USB port SCSI or SSD disk drives in a RAID 10 configuration (RAID 5 should NOT be used. Click here to find out why) Tape drive or DVD-Burner for backups |
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Resolution | 1024 x 768 | |
Microsoft Windows®/2008 or newer. Helix recommends Windows® Server/2012. Microsoft SQL Server/2005 or newer with Full Text Search must be separately purchased and installed All software should have the current service packs applied. Backup software is required and should include an SQL Agent to allow backup of the SQL databases. Helix recommends that this server be dedicated to Andar. For more information about Microsoft SQL Server, visit www.microsoft.com/sql. |
For Larger Organizations
(Over 20 Users)
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A Database Server
Recommended Specifications | ||
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Operating System | Windows® 7 or newer | |
Processor | 3.80GHz Quad core processor or better | |
Memory | 16 GB RAM | |
Storage | 36 GB available hard drive space Greater than 36 GB or 5x times the customer’s current legacy database size |
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Internet |
Fixed IP address Network interface card operating at Gigabit speed |
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Media & Peripherals |
USB port SCSI or SSD disk drives in a RAID 10 configuration (RAID 5 should NOT be used. Click here to find out why). Larger organizations should consider a separate RAID 1 array for the operating system and another RAID 1 disk array estimated at the greater of 36GB or 2 times the customer’s current database size to be used for the transaction logs. Tape drive or DVD-Burner for backups |
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Resolution | 1024 x 768 | |
Microsoft Windows®/2008 or newer (Advanced Server is recommended for larger organizations (over 30 Users) requiring better performance and management). Helix recommends Windows Server/2012. Microsoft SQL Server/2005 or newer with Full Text Search must be separately purchased and installed (Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise Edition is recommended for larger organizations (over 30 Users) requiring better performance and management) All software should have the current service packs applied. Backup software is required and must include an SQL Agent to allow backup of the SQL databases. Helix recommends that this server be dedicated to Andar. For more information about Microsoft SQL Server, visit www.microsoft.com/sql. |
e-Community Suite
Introduction
The e-Community Suite includes the e-Pledge, e-Volunteer, Allocations & Outcomes, i-Attend, i-Access, and Information & Referral modules. These modules allow remote users to access information through the Internet.
e-Pledge allows donors to manage pledging; e-Volunteer allows individuals to manage volunteer opportunities; Allocations & Outcomes allows agencies to manage their grant proposals; i-Attend allows online event registrations; i-Access allows online access to account dashboard information; and Information & Referral allows controlled access to a searchable database of community programs and services.
Security Considerations
In order to ensure that information is kept private, a number of security measures should be implemented. First, the customer should have a properly configured firewall. Helix does not recommend or support any specific firewall hardware or software. Helix recommends a separate server for the web site. This will help isolate the web site and would-be hackers from the database server. The web server should be attached to the DeMilitarized Zone (DMZ) port available on most firewalls. The DMZ allows for extra barriers between the Internet and the web server as well as between the web server and the rest of your network. Information on web pages should also be protected by implementing "Secure Socket Layer" (SSL), also known as "https." With SSL, all communication between the browser (donor/agency) and the web server is encrypted. To implement SSL, the customer must obtain a server-specific certificate from an authorized vendor such as www.VeriSign.com. Similarly, Andar's e-Pledge module can automatically authorize credit cards through PayPal or CyberSource. See below for additional information on Credit Card Processing.
Server Requirements
Because each web page is constructed from countless pieces of information stored in your Andar database, both the database server and the web server must be located on the same high-speed local network. Helix does not recommend that the web server be located off-site while the database is on-site. An Internet communication link between the web server and the database server would seriously degrade performance of the web site. For smaller organizations, the server should be a dual core 2.7GHz processor with 4Gb RAM or better, while larger organizations could configure a quad core 2.7GHz processor with 16Gb RAM or larger. The web application is not very disk intensive so 18GB of available disk drive space (in a RAID-1 configuration optional but recommended for redundancy) should be sufficient for the operating system and other required software. Some large organizations may wish to implement multiple load balanced web servers.
Software Requirements
The web server requires Windows/2008 Server or newer (Helix recommends Windows Server/2012) with Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) installed and configured. Other operating systems and web servers are not recommended at this time.
Recommended Network Architecture
Internet Requirements
Check with your service provider for available services. In all cases, an external fixed IP address is required for your web server.
Andar’s e-Community (e-Pledge, e-Volunteer, etc.), as provided, is very lightweight but highly customizable. Customers can add graphics, optional web pages, and other content, all of which will affect internet bandwidth requirements. Performance will be impacted by unrelated traffic such as email, general web surfing, video streaming, etc., from staff sharing the same internet connection. In light of all these variables, Helix cannot estimate the customer’s internet bandwidth requirements.
Internet Access (Optional)
Introduction
Andar can be used remotely, through the Internet. This can be done in a number of different ways.
Open Ports
Helix does not recommend opening SQL server ports to the general Internet. This could be used to allow remote users to access the Andar database directly, but it exposes your database to hackers and sniffers. This scenario is not recommended.
Virtual Private Network
Virtual Private Networks will allow remote users to become part of your network through the Internet. Once on the network, they can install Andar on their computer and use it like any other users. A high speed Internet connection is strongly recommended for this scenario. Performance may not be suitable for heavy users and is recommended for the occasional, low usage users only.
Terminal Services
A separate server with Terminal Services installed will allow remote users to access Andar securely through the Internet. Helix recommends at least 1Gb RAM plus 256Mb per concurrent user on the terminal server. Other services such as Citrix may also be used. A Gigabit LAN path between this server and the Andar database server will significantly improve performance.
Client Manager Console
Introduction
Andar requires a license server software called the “Client Manager Console” (CMC), provided with Andar, to run on a machine where a provided USB device is connected. Although this software can be installed anywhere within your TCP/IP network, it is normally recommended that the CMC be installed on the same machine as your Andar database.
Hosting Services
Introduction
About 50% of all Andar users are hosted through UPIC or the IT Collaborative. These organizations provide alternatives to managing technology.
Virtualization
Introduction
Andar will run on VMWare 4.01 and newer virtual servers. Older VMWare will support Andar but not the License Server Software. The CMC could be installed on another non-VMWare machine.
Andar will also run on Microsoft HyperV virtual servers but the CMC must be installed on the physical host.
Although SQL can be virtualized, Helix recommends that SQL be run on bare metal.
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VeriSign Services
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SSL Certificates
VeriSign is a leading provider of SSL certificates. With SSL, all communication between the browser (donor/agency) and the web server is encrypted. To implement SSL, the customer must obtain a server-specific certificate and install it within the IIS.
MSOutlook Connector
Special Requirements
- Using the buttons in Outlook that are enabled by Outlook Connector Add-In to send and upload emails to Andar, to import appointments, to apply style to the email contents, and to speed up content creation.
- Synchronizing contacts, tasks, calendars and emails in folders on the client via Outlook.
For example, if you use Citrix to access Andar, you would also have to run Outlook inside of Citrix. Both Andar and Outlook must be on the same machine.
When Andar is hosted but Outlook is not hosted you will still be able to do the following tasks:
- Forwarding emails or appointments to a designated forwarding email address. The emails will be automatically imported into Andar, but the Outlook Connector Add-In (Andar Outlook buttons) is not supported.
- Synchronizing contacts, tasks, calendars and emails in folders on the server via the Exchange Server.
Andar Texting
Special Requirements
Andar Texting requires a texting service from EMS. Please contact Tom Evans at tom@emsmail.org.
Andar Texting also requires the e-Community Suite Base module.
MIG and Executive Plus are also highly recommended to take full advantage of conversation workflows and personalized messaging.
Andar API
Special Requirements
Andar API requires the e-Community Suite Base module and Executive Plus.
Credit Card/ACH Processing
Introduction
Andar can automatically optionally authorize credit cards either through e Pledge or on a pre-authorized scheduled basis. To perform this function, Customer must purchase the Andar Credit Card & ACH Processor (CCAP) module; in order to use the CCAP module, Customer must have either of the following (note: the CCAP module contains all of the software required to communicate with PayPal and CyberSource):
CyberSource Contacts (if the PCI Compliance System Preference option is enabled in Andar)
Northeast USA & East Canada
- 650.432.4856
- 650.445.8211
- RGok@Visa.com
- www.cybersource.com
- US: WI, IN, OH, PA, NJ, MI, NY, VT, NH, ME, MA, CT, RI
- CA: ON, QC, NB, PE, NS, NL
Central USA
- 650.437.4969
- 650.432.4662
- Kmohsenz@Visa.com
- www.cybersource.com
- US: MT, WY, CO, NM, TX, OK, MO, IL, IA, MN, ND, SD, NE, KS
Western USA & West Canada
- 650.432.4632
- 650.863.9776
- DMolseed@Visa.com
- www.cybersource.com
- US: AZ, UT, ID, HI, WA, OR, NV, CA
- CA: MB, NT, NU, AB, BC, MB, SK, YT
Southeast USA
- 650.554.9948
- 650.432.4304
- JoMurray@Visa.com
- www.cybersource.com
- US: DE, MD, WV, KY, AR, LA, TN, VA, NC, SC, GA, AL, MS, FL
Note: to register with CyberSource, Customer must log on to the Andar Support Center, click on the CyberSource Sign-Up Form link, and fill out & submit the form.